Changes are coming to net metering benefits

You can choose landscaping options such as wildflowers, vegetables, or grasses that grow well under solar panels. Alternatively, use rocks or mulch over landscape cloth for low maintenance.

Solar panels have no moving parts and require minimal maintenance. Quality components ensure long-term reliability with little upkeep.

Generally, no. Rain and snow naturally clean the panels. In the Midwest, Mother Nature typically handles this task.

In a fire or flood, follow your usual safety procedures, including turning off electricity if needed. The solar array can be turned off at the electricity shut-off switch near your meter.

Utility bills show only the energy that travels through your meter, reflecting net sales rather than total production. The monitoring portal shows total energy produced by your system.

Most electronic devices running Apple, Android, or Microsoft operating systems can be used to monitor your array through the appropriate app or online portal.

Yes, Arrow Solar offers online production monitoring for your solar array, allowing both you and us to track performance and address any issues.

Instructions are provided by Arrow Solar via email after PTO is granted. If not received within five business days, email: support@callarrowgroup.com.

You will receive emails from the monitoring portal provider and Arrow Solar with setup instructions. If not received within five business days of activation, email: support@callarrowgroup.com.

Consider the future size of trees to avoid shading solar panels. Contact Arrow Solar for advice on tree placement.

Leave 5' of wall space near the load center for a future battery, plus 4' for the inverter.

Place your internet router near the load center for easy connectivity of the solar array inverter.

Leave about 4' of wall space inside the home near the load center for the inverter and 3' of exterior wall space near the utility meter for the utility disconnect.

A 225A Square D Homeline load center with a 200A main breaker is recommended. Ensure two free slots for the solar breaker.

Yes, prepare a flat area approximately 50' x 20' for a residential array to save on installation costs and optimize energy production.

Yes, keep utility lines out of the trench path for future ground-mounted solar arrays to reduce labor costs and ensure safety.

Yes, installing a 2” metallic conduit from the attic to the electrical load center during construction saves money and simplifies solar array installation.

A 7/12 roof pitch with southern exposure is optimal for roof-mounted solar arrays. Systems can also be installed on various roof pitches and east or west-facing roofs. More panels may be required to achieve energy goals.

Residential solar installation typically takes one to two days. Preparation, including permit approvals and equipment procurement, can take several weeks. Arrow Solar handles permitting and keeps you updated throughout the process.

Factors such as roof design, available space, and shading determine eligibility. Arrow Solar conducts property assessments to design the best solar energy system for your home.

In many states, Solar Access Laws protect against restrictions on solar energy systems. Work with a certified installer like Arrow Solar to navigate local laws and policies.

With proper design and installation, your roof will maintain its integrity. Many roof types require no additional attachments to the roof facing.

It is not recommended to install solar panels yourself. Proper installation requires qualified electrical and roofing expertise to ensure safety and optimal performance. Manufacturer warranties often require certified installation.

Roof-mounted solar arrays are common but ground mounts are also an option. The best choice depends on your location, local building codes, and site conditions. Arrow Solar can help determine the best mounting system for you.

In the Midwest, south-facing roofs are ideal for solar panels. However, east and west-facing roofs can also capture sunlight effectively. Arrow Solar's design and engineering team will provide energy production designs and reports tailored to your project.

Arrow Solar needs to understand your goals for battery storage to design an optimal solution. Determine if you want to offset peak rates, have backup power, or keep more renewable energy. Contact us for a detailed assessment.

Batteries can be programmed to use stored energy during peak pricing periods, avoiding expensive utility power. This reduces overall energy costs by using cheaper, off-peak energy.

Yes, but compatibility varies. Some batteries require specific solar equipment. The difficulty and cost of integration depend on whether your system was designed for future battery addition. Contact Arrow Solar for more information.

The duration of a battery charge depends on its size, type, and your energy consumption. A fully charged 10-kWh battery can last approximately 10-12 hours for an average home, while a 13.5-kWh battery can last 13.5-16.8 hours.

Battery capacity varies by model, typically ranging from 10-13.5 kWh. Depth of discharge (DoD) also affects how much energy can be used before recharging.

Yes, a storage battery can charge an electric vehicle, similar to how it powers household devices.

Battery placement depends on the battery's chemistry and components. Ideal locations are usually interior spaces like garages or utility rooms to protect from extreme temperatures.

Yes, but typically multiple batteries are required to power an entire home. Most systems are designed to cover critical loads during outages or offset demand during peak pricing hours. The number of batteries needed depends on your energy consumption and the capacity of your solar array.

Yes, storage batteries are designed to work during power outages. When a grid outage is detected, the system disconnects from the grid and uses the battery and solar array to power critical loads in your home until power is restored.

Yes, many battery and inverter manufacturers offer apps to monitor production and storage capacity remotely.

Residential storage batteries typically last between 5-15 years. Longevity depends on battery type, size, and usage. Lithium-ion batteries, for example, have a higher depth of discharge and energy density, allowing for more efficient energy use and longer lifespan compared to lead acid batteries.

Most storage batteries come with a 10-year performance warranty for at least 60% of the usable capacity or 10,000 cycles. Warranties may vary among manufacturers. Contact an Arrow Solar Energy Consultant to learn more about our battery options.

Solar + Storage combines a solar array with a compatible battery to provide electricity at night, during outages, or at peak pricing times. Excess energy produced during the day charges the battery, which then powers your home when needed. This setup allows you to use renewable energy at any time, reducing reliance on the grid and saving money on energy costs.

Modern solar panels are designed to integrate seamlessly with your roof, becoming part of the overall design. Panels come in various styles, including sleek all-black designs, enhancing the look of your home while providing efficient power.

Most solar components have a 25-year warranty but are expected to produce power for 40+ years. With no moving parts and virtually no maintenance, solar panels offer longevity and reliability. Major manufacturers have panels installed over 40 years ago still producing energy today.

Solar panel brands are categorized as Premium (Tier 1), Standard (Tier 2), and Economy (Tier 3). Tier 1 panels offer the best performance and durability, while Tier 3 panels are less durable but more affordable. Arrow Solar is committed to installing only Tier 1 solar panels for the highest quality and energy production.

Yes, as long as there is room for additional panels on your roof or ground. Contact Arrow Solar to begin the design and engineering process for expanding your system.

The size of your solar system should be based on a Solar Analysis created by a licensed solar energy professional. Factors to consider include available space, electrical usage, utility policies, and shading. Working with an experienced solar company ensures your system meets your goals.

Quality solar panels are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including wind, rain, and hail. The glass covering the panels is engineered to resist breakage, even from 1" hailstones impacting at over 200 mph.

Solar production varies with the seasons. During winter, the sun is lower, reducing optimal panel angles. Cold weather and shorter daylight hours can increase energy usage and decrease solar production, making the gap between production and consumption seem larger.

The percentage of power your solar system generates depends on available space for panels and inverters. Arrow Solar will analyze your site and energy profile to determine how much of your power can be generated by a solar array and design a system to meet your needs and budget.

Grid-tied solar systems are required to shut down during power outages for safety reasons. If blackouts are frequent in your area, a battery backup could be a good solution. Contact an Arrow Solar Energy Consultant for more information on how a battery can benefit you during power outages.

A grid-tied solar array is synchronized with the existing utility feed into your building. You use the power generated by the solar system first, and if additional energy is needed, it pulls power from your meter, ensuring uninterrupted power. In most cases, there will be no noticeable difference in the operation of your equipment.

In Illinois, solar system owners can create SRECs from the energy produced by their solar panels. One SREC equals 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of solar energy generated. Owners can sell SRECs through a market set up by the Illinois Power Agency (IPA) for a 15-year contract. SRECs are sold separately from the electricity produced, meaning you can use the electricity to lower your electric bill and sell the SRECs to buyers. Payments for SRECs can be lump-sum or spread over seven years, depending on system size. Learn more about the Illinois SREC program at Illinois Shines.

Solar power often costs less than traditional electricity from utility companies. As traditional power costs rise, consumers are turning to alternative, clean, and sustainable energy sources like solar. The amount you save will depend on your solar system's size and your household's electricity usage. Arrow Solar’s Free Solar Analysis will provide the financial and environmental information you need to determine if solar is right for you.

The cost of a solar energy system depends on the size of the system, your location, and available incentives. Solar prices have decreased by as much as 70% in recent years, making it a sound financial investment. Larger systems may benefit from economies of scale, reducing costs per kW. An Arrow Solar Energy Consultant can provide a Free Solar Analysis to help you understand how solar can reduce and manage your electricity costs.

Solar incentives can vary by state. The most significant incentive is the federal investment tax credit (ITC), which allows you to deduct a percentage of your solar energy system's cost from your taxes. Some states offer additional tax credits, and certain municipalities and utilities provide cash rebates or other incentives. Additionally, commercial solar installations are eligible for a five-year Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS).

Weather influences solar energy production. Bright sunlight is ideal, but panels still generate power on overcast days. Overall energy production peaks in summer due to longer daylight hours. Cold, sunny winter days also enhance efficiency. Solar panels continue producing power unless completely covered.

While snow or ice can temporarily reduce energy output by covering panels, this is offset by long, sunny summer days. Solar panels are designed to shed snow quickly due to their angle and the heat they produce. Arrow Solar designs systems to optimize performance based on local weather data, minimizing the impact of winter conditions on annual production.

Solar panels are designed to withstand extreme weather, including hail, strong winds, and snow. They are tested to endure impacts from 1” hailstones at over 50 mph and remain securely mounted in winds exceeding 140 mph.

An off-grid system is not connected to the power grid. Solar panels charge a battery, and the property draws power from the battery. The size of the battery bank determines how frequently it needs to be recharged by the solar array to ensure an uninterrupted power supply.

A grid-tied system uses solar-generated power first, with any excess flowing back to the utility grid. The utility compensates you for this excess through net metering or avoided cost payments. Contact Arrow Solar for details on your local utility’s policy.

Net metering gives you full retail credit for excess energy your solar array produces and sends back to the utility. However, this benefit is changing for Illinois residents effective December 31, 2024. If your utility doesn’t offer net metering, they may provide a lower avoided cost payment instead. Understanding your utility’s policy is crucial for evaluating the financial impact of your solar project.

While equipment comes with workmanship and production warranties, they don't cover theft or damage from external sources. Most homeowner insurance policies do cover solar systems. Check with your provider for more details.

Solar panels contain individual cells made of two layers of silicon. An electronic imbalance between the layers causes electrons to move when struck by sunlight, generating electricity. This direct current (DC) is converted to alternating current (AC) by an inverter, allowing it to power your home.

From day one, solar power offsets your electricity purchases, reducing your electric bills. With minimal ongoing costs, you lock in the solar portion of your electricity expenses, protecting against inflation and simplifying budgeting. You'll recoup the cost of your solar system well before the end of its lifespan. Most components are warranted for up to 25 years and last 40+ years, providing decades of financial and environmental benefits. Additionally, demonstrating a commitment to a healthier planet can enhance your reputation within the community.

Arrow Solar provides a comprehensive, turn-key solar energy solution that takes your system from concept to commissioning. We make it fast and easy to obtain a cost-saving, environmentally friendly solar energy system for your home or business.

Solar panels can significantly lower your electric bill and begin paying for themselves immediately. Even if you move before your investment is fully paid off, studies show the remaining value is likely to be recouped upon sale. Additionally, a solar system can make your property more appealing by offering a guaranteed lower electric bill. Warranties are transferable to a new owner one time.

Harnessing solar energy helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation. It also decreases air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, promoting better health outcomes.

Once the utility grants authorization, they will notify both the client and Arrow Solar. We will then reach out to guide you on how to turn on your array or arrange for a staff member to assist with activation. Arrow Solar will continuously monitor your array to ensure optimal performance and set up online monitoring access for you.